Gary W. Allison Retells A Boxing Legend's Story

Online, April 11, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Author Gary W. Allison understands the mind of an underdog, growing up in Southeast Michigan on the borders of Detroit City. Now he explores the mind of a man who overcame the most extreme circumstances to forever solidify his place as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. The book is entitled "The Final Round" and it tells the story of Billy Miske, heavyweight prizefighter of the early 20th century.

"It's a story that just can't be ignored," the author said. "Miske makes Rocky look like a china doll."

Gary was attracted to the story after a film director approached him on the idea of writing a screenplay based on Miske's life. "After learning of Billy Miske, I called the director back and said, 'That's a movie.'"

The script was written and the production wheels started turning, but the story remained. Gary decided to take it a step further and turn it into a book. But, a biography was not the way to go. Instead, he decided to write a novel based on Miske's life.

"I took my cue from Capote," the author said. "A novel served the story much better as there was very little knowledge of Billy's personal life. I didn't want to write another statistics book about a boxer."

The novel explores the mind of man up against the ropes in the ring, as well as in life. "It's literally and figuratively filled with blood, sweat, and tears."

Gary W. Allison has written two books. His first one was the novella "There is a Season." This is his second. He is a produced screenwriter and award winning short story writer. Gary lives in Michigan with his wife and two children.